Those pieces are providing inspiration for the long-vacant station's future.

A clock stolen from Michigan Central Station was returned to Ford shortly after it was announced that the automaker purchased the building. (Photo: Ford)

Michigan Central Station closed in 1988. It has been empty, aside from homeless people who took refuge in the hulking structure, critters and thrill seekers looking to explore the iconic building, ever since. Plans for the depot have continually fallen through, until Ford announced it had purchased the building last summer.